PIA Press ReleaseSaturday, January 28, 2012

Feature: Alternative Learning System grad remains grateful to the program

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY, January 28 (PIA) -- Thirty-year old Nina Gloria once stopped schooling at the age of 15 when she got pregnant. Her classmates graduated and proceeded college while Nina opted to take care of her child at home.

However, there was something in her that pushed her back to school. At first, she was hesitant to attend classes with classmates way younger than her. Then she learned about the Alternative Learning System (ALS) offered by the Department of Education in Tagum City.

"It changed my life from being nobody to being somebody.", Nina recalled.

The ALS allowed Nina to take the Accreditation and Equivalency Test where she passed and accelerated as a high school graduate instead of going back to third year high school.

Tagum City Division has been a strong implementer of the program. Aside from the A and E, Tagum also takes pride in its Balik Paaralan Para sa Ou-of-School Adult (BPOSA), Army Literacy Patrol System, and the Basic Literacy Program.

The school division having seen the potentials of its learner Nina, rooted for her when she took the A and E exam. DepEd Tagum City Division hired her as an employee after she finished Accountancy from the University of Tagum.

"It was during my employment with the division that I was trained." She then took the exam to become a certified public accountant after becoming confident with her self and her experiences at work.

She passed the exam and DepEd allowed her to take bigger opportunities offered by the Davao del Norte State College. She now works as the budget officer in the said office.

Every time she's requested to talk before learners and even other people, Nina willingly leaves work and spends time to share her story and inspire people.

"I have spoken in so many fora already and every time I talk, I couldn't control myself from getting emotional. My gratitude for this program will forever remain.", she said.

The ALS implementation in Tagum has received distinct recognition from local, national and international venue. It has received the Hall of Fame Award in the National Literacy Awards. It also got an Honorable Mention of UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize in New Delhi, India. (PIA/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)